Dlamini-Zuma’s Africa reign ends

From PHYLLIS BIRORI in Kigali, Rwanda
KIGALI, (CAJ News) – THE launch of a new passport to facilitate free movement of people, goods and services in the continent and the election of a new leader will be among the highlights of the week-long 27th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), to be held in Rwanda from Monday.

During the summit, where a new leader will be elected to succeed South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU Commission chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, AU is expected to launch the e-passport with the view to foster intra-Africa trade, integration and socio-economic development.

Dlamini Zuma, has described this initiative as both symbolic and significant.

“It is a steady step towards the objective of creating a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa, driven by its own citizens and capable of taking its rightful place on the world stage.”

The first group of beneficiaries will include AU Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representatives of AU member states based at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Issuance of the AU e-Passport is expected to pave the way for member states to adopt and ratify the legislation to begin issuing the passport at a broader level.

Dlamini-Zuma is not standing for reelection at the summit. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi (Botswana), Specioza Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe (Uganda) and Agapito Mba Mokuy (Equatorial Guinea) are in the race to succeed her.
–CAJ News